In one of the largest cybercrime busts in Pakistan’s history, authorities have dismantled a sophisticated scam operation running out of an upscale residence in Faisalabad, leading to the arrest of 149 individuals involved in a multi-billion-rupee Ponzi scheme.
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), acting on a tip-off and in coordination with a sister agency, raided the house of Malik Tasheen Awan, a former chairman of FESCO, located on Sangla Hill Road in Shahkot, Faisalabad. The location had been converted into a fully functional call center, allegedly operating an elaborate online investment fraud.
The crackdown led to the arrest of 149 people, including 131 men and 18 women. Significantly, several foreign nationals were among those detained, highlighting possible international linkages.
The foreign nationals include:
- China: 44 men, 4 women
- Nigeria: 3 men, 5 women
- Philippines: 1 man, 3 women
- Sri Lanka: 1 man, 1 woman
- Bangladesh: 6 men
- Zimbabwe: 1 woman
- Myanmar: 2 women
The remaining 76 individuals, including two women, are Pakistani nationals. FIRs No. 141 to 147 have been registered, with charges ranging from financial fraud to money laundering and cyber deception.
How the Scam Worked
According to NCCIA officials, the accused ran a typical Ponzi-style scam. They posed as financial advisors and reached out to potential victims—primarily overseas Pakistanis—through social media platforms, promising high returns on fake investment schemes. Using manipulative tactics and forged credentials, they convinced individuals to deposit large sums of money, which were never returned.
Authorities believe the operation scammed citizens out of billions of rupees and had likely been active for an extended period before the bust.
During the raid, officials confiscated a substantial amount of evidence, including:
- Computers
- Servers
- Electronic devices
- Digital equipment
These items are now being analyzed by forensic teams to trace the money trail, uncover the full scope of the operation, and identify additional accomplices.
When questioned about the presence and legal status of the foreign nationals, CPO Sahibzada Umar Bilal stated that the matter falls entirely under NCCIA’s jurisdiction, and local police were not involved in the immigration aspect. The arrested foreigners may also face immigration-related charges.
Following the arrests, NCCIA issued a nationwide alert, warning citizens to beware of online investment offers that promise unrealistic returns.
